Posts tagged "pain"

In cases of chronic medical conditions for which there is a lack of conventional, effective treatment, it is not uncommon for West Virginia patients to turn to alternative remedies such as marijuana. A recent study, for example, has shown that one in eight people with the painful, often debilitating condition, fibromyalgia, use cannabis to relieve pain and restore functionality.

Despite this relatively common practice, the study still seeks confirmation that cannabis can indeed cause an improvement in the day-to-day functioning of people with the condition. The plant's efficacy as a pain reliever has been documented in cases of pain related to HIV and cancer, but has yet to be associated with fibromyalgia. Furthermore, pain relief without a corresponding increase in functionality is little cause for celebration.

While many people in West Virginia wish they could just remain in bed instead of going to work, there are a group of people in Charleston who just wish they were able to have a job. Many people in Charleston take for granted the fact that they can get up, go to work and do pretty much whatever they want, but people with fibromyalgia are often in too much pain to work, leaving them dependent on disability benefits.

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day just passed and it is important that everyone in West Virginia understand just what this medical condition is and how it affects the people of Charleston. For one woman who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 30 years ago, her condition means that she is unable to work, to play with her niece or to do many of the things she loves.

There has been some speculation that fibromyalgia may not be a real medical condition, but the people who live their lives in constant pain have an important message to all their doubters: they "aren't crazy."

Those people in Charleston who are living with this condition may no longer be able to work after they develop the all-over pain and sensitivity. For many, the only option is to apply for West Virginia fibromyalgia benefits to pay for rent, food, medication and other living costs. While many of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia would love to be able to get up and go to work, the sheer pain and stress of working often causes flare-ups.